Rising band Only The Poets are to charge just £1 for a headline show at O2 Academy Brixton.
The Capitol-signed group from Reading charged £1 for their first ever gig seven years ago, and will now match that price to ensure their Brixton show in 2026 is open to everyone regardless of income.
The band will play the London venue on February 2, 2026, days after the release of their debut album, And I’d Do It Again (out January 30).
Jo Charrington, president of Capitol UK, said: “Only The Poets are a band who stand for connection, honesty and inclusivity – everything music should represent. Their £1 Brixton Academy show is a landmark moment, not just for them but for the wider live scene, proving that music can and should be accessible to everyone. I couldn’t be prouder to see them take this step as they release their debut album – it’s a statement of intent from one of the UK’s most exciting new bands.”
The band have long championed causes that matter to them – from preserving grassroots venues to sparking open conversations around mental health.
“We charged £1 for our first ever gig – back then we only had a couple of songs, so anything more felt like too much for us,” said frontman Tommy Longhurst. “We wouldn’t have been able to see half the gigs we went to if ticket prices were what they are now, so we wanted to make sure that this show was open to everyone.”
Only The Poets are a band who stand for connection, honesty and inclusivity – everything music should represent
Jo Charrington
Guitarist Clem Cherry added: “Our fans know our shows are a safe space. This is about making sure anybody can come and have an amazing night in an iconic venue. It’s also a thank you to everyone who’s supported us to this point.”
As part of the initiative, the band will also support the LIVE Trust — the funding initiative for the grassroots sector — with an additional £1 per ticket donated directly to help protect and promote access to live music for all.
LIVE CEO Jon Collins said: “This is a wonderful, positive move by Only The Poets, giving back to the grassroots while giving back to their fans. Making this show accessible to all means everyone can enjoy the associated mental health, communal and emotional benefits. Funds raised for the LIVE Trust will go directly to support artists, venues, promoters, festivals and more across the UK grassroots.
“A young band like Only the Poets stepping up while artists like Biffy Clyro and My Chemical Romance back the Trust at their arena and stadia shows is further evidence of the growing levels of support for the LIVE Trust across all parts of the live music scene.”
All tickets are priced at £1 (plus fees: £1 venue restoration, £1 Ticketmaster fee, and a £1 Live Trust donation). Both the venue and Ticketmaster have supported the initiative, lowering their usual rates in solidarity with the band’s commitment to accessibility.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale at 10am on September 11 and general sale are available at 10am on September 12.
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